Since it was announced that Mike Vrabel would become the Patriots' next head coach, he has been slowly but surely filling out his staff, putting together an impressive group that is not void of experience like last year's coaching staff was.
With whom Vrabel has hired, all aspects of the team appear to have been upgraded, essentially putting the roster in better hands to be more successful and not repeat the disappointing season that was 2024. Most positions have been filled, but there is one crucial role left to be addressed: wide receivers coach.
It was announced last week that T.C. McCartney would not return with the 2025 staff, meaning Vrabel would be looking for his replacement. There are a few options on the table to be hired, but ESPN's Mike Reiss believes there is a frontrunner for the role right now, and it's a man Patriots fans are very familiar with, which seems to be the popular thing this year.
Mike Vrabel and the Patriots eyeing Wes Welker for last offensive coaching staff opening
In his weekly Sunday Notes piece, Reiss revealed that the Patriots are seriously considering hiring former receiver and recent free agent Wes Welker for their vacant wide receivers coach role for the 2025 season.
The former Patriot most recently spent the last three seasons with the Dolphins in that role.
"Wes Welker, who coached receivers in San Francisco (2019-21) and Miami (2022-24), is among the options the Patriots have considered, according to league sources. Welker's coaching career began in Houston under Bill O'Brien in 2017, when Vrabel was defensive coordinator.
And, of course, he played for McDaniels in New England. So, there's history there if both sides feel it's a fit."
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Given that those they are most familiar with are already employed elsewhere, it wouldn't be surprising if Vrabel and Co. decide to move on Welker for the job. It might not be the most popular decision since it's hiring another former player/Patriot to the staff, but it's hard to argue that Welker isn't qualified for the job.
Besides his impressive career, he has worked with some talented receivers since becoming a coach. The roster in San Francisco has long been that of some of the top players in the league, and that continued with Welker in Miami. If he can bring that experience with that quality of player to Foxboro, it's a no-brainer why Vrabel would want him on staff.